The 6 best foods for your sex life. These healthy snacks boost sexual desire and help you get in the mood.

The orange glow of sweet potatoes is a giveaway that they contain sky-high levels of beta-carotene. Your body can convert beta-carotene to vitamin A, which promotes healthy surface linings of the vagina and uterus and is involved in sex hormone production. Try this easy recipe for twice-baked sweet potatoes.

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Sex Food #1: Coffee

A cup of coffee might put you in the mood. A recent study found female rats that got a shot of caffeine were more motivated to seek out sex than uncaffeinated animals. The researchers say caffeine enhances sexual arousal. What else does caffeine do to your body? Here, the surprising up--and downsides of this stimulant.

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Sex Food #2: Pumpkin Seeds

These jack-o-lantern castoffs are one of nature's richest sources of zinc, which has been found to improve male sexual performance by elevating testosterone levels. So make use of your leftover Halloween decorations. After all, it takes two to tango. Stick to the pumpkin theme for breakfast and make these pumpkin gingerbread waffles.

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Sex Food #3: Chocolate

No wonder chocolate is linked with Valentine's. Italian scientists found that women who had a daily chocolate treat reported higher sexual desire than those who did without. Chocolate contains phenylethylamine (PEA), which triggers the release of feel-good dopamine in the brain and is released naturally during sex. For the biggest dose of PEA choose chocolate with at least 60 percent cocoa.

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Sex Food #4: Red Wine

Boost your libido with red wine. A recent study in the Journal of Sexual Medicine found that women who drank 1 to 2 glasses of red wine had increased sexual desire and functioning than teetotalers. There was no additional benefit to drinking more than two glasses. Compounds in red wine like flavonoids may improve sexual functioning by increasing blood flow to key areas of the body.

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Sex Food #5: Nutmeg

Indian researchers found that nutmeg extract has aphrodisiac qualities in that it can help put you in the mood for sex. It does this by stimulating nerve cells and blood circulation. Try spiking hot chocolate with a dash of nutmeg to boost your sexual desire. Or sprinkle some on this healthy (and delicious) dessert.

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Sex Food #6: Sweet Potatoes

The orange glow of sweet potatoes is a giveaway that they contain sky-high levels of beta-carotene. Your body can convert beta-carotene to vitamin A, which promotes healthy surface linings of the vagina and uterus and is involved in sex hormone production. Try this easy recipe for twice-baked sweet potatoes.

The 6 best foods for your sex life. These healthy snacks boost sexual desire and help you get in the mood.

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The 6 best foods for your sex life. These healthy snacks boost sexual desire and help you get in the mood.